In honor of Harry Potter’s birthday, I thought it was appropriate to write about one of the best series of all time. If you’re a Potter-head like me, you’ve probably read all the books, watched all the movies and know everything there is to know about every character.
We adore the series, live through every triumph and failure that comes along with it and will always stand up for it’s greatness. We love it so much that it affects our ability to choose which adventure is the best.
And even though we’ve been reading these books since elementary school, we still can’t get enough. Because magic really never goes out of style does it?
Here’s why Harry Potter and the Prisoner of Azkaban is the best one.
1. I solemnly swear that I am up to no good. 
You’re bloody hell I’m not. How brilliant (said in classic Harry and Ron voice) of an idea to create the Marauder’s Map that only works when spoken these words. The entire series is just that. Harry, Ron and Hermione always getting into the trouble, always looking for danger and breaking every rule possible.
But they aren’t just committing these acts for no reason at all. They do it to make Hogwarts and the magic world a better place. They do it to learn, become better wizards and witches and explore the life they’ve been given. They do it to defend themselves and others from the dark lord. Their curiosity, bravery and determination inspire us to do the same in our own lives.
And even if they are always up to no good, they prove to us that no magic can replace the importance of friendship.
2. Sirius Black. 
The most dangerous wizard to ever escape Azkaban. On the hunt for Harry Potter to kill him once and for all. The one who killed 13 people in front of Muggles and betrayed Harry’s parents. Or did he?
Sirus Black, Harry Potter’s Godfather, was trying to do nothing more than protect Harry, when everyone else at Hogwarts thought the opposite. The entire book, Harry is protected and told to stay put when really, Sirius was a guardian who loved Harry and would address his unanswered questions. He was Harry’s closest interaction to a family member and it meant the world to him.
Sirius Black is no criminal and never was. It just goes to show you that even with the worst reputation, people may not be as bad as they seem. It taught us to avoid judgement, learn to understand the struggles of others and embrace those who have sacrificed for us.
3. Expecto Patronum. 
My favorite spell of all time.
“This ancient and mysterious charm conjures a magical guardian, a projection of all your most positive feelings. The Patronus Charm is difficult, and many witches and wizards are unable to produce a full, corporeal Patronus, a guardian which generally takes the shape of the animal with whom they share the deepest affinity. You may suspect, but you will never truly know what form your Patronus will take until you succeed in conjuring it.“—Miranda Goshawk’s overview of the Patronus Charm
To me, this is the most intense scene in any Harry Potter book/movie. Harry struggles throughout his third year at Hogwarts, trying to learn the spell and create enough strength to fight off the dementors. He fears them most and fails many times being knocked unconscious.
It isn’t until he goes back in time with Hermione and her time turner and sees himself suffering and dying from the power of the dementors, sucking the life right out of him. He realizes no one is coming to save him and with a rush of adrenaline and determination, he steadily holds his wand yelling “EXPECTO PETRONUM!” causing an immediate wave of power knocking out all the dementors in his path.
I will forever love this scene and this spell. Why, do you ask? Because it shows us that no matter what struggles we face, the power always lies within us. The only person who can save who can save you, is you.
Thank you J.K. Rowling for your amazing talent. You’ve given us a world full of magic that’s relatable to the real world at the same time. Thanks for letting us be a part of that and instilling something within us that’s sometimes hard to explain. In a world like ours, it’s nice to have something magical to turn to.
“Mischief Managed.”
Jessica Litras 